Elevation of Privilege in Windows Common Log File System Driver by Microsoft

CVE-2025-29824

What is CVE-2025-29824?

CVE-2025-29824 is a significant elevation of privilege vulnerability identified in the Windows Common Log File System (CLFS) driver, a crucial component of the Windows operating system that manages logging for various applications and services. This vulnerability arises from a use-after-free condition within the kernel driver clfs.sys, which can be exploited by an authorized attacker to obtain elevated privileges on affected systems.

When an attacker successfully leverages CVE-2025-29824, they can gain system-level access, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the highest privileges on the compromised machine. The exploitation typically involves manipulating memory references in a race condition scenario, which can result in critical security lapses. If exploited, this vulnerability can enable unauthorized access to sensitive data, allow malicious software to be installed persistently, and facilitate further network intrusions or lateral movement within the organization's infrastructure.

As organizations increasingly rely on Microsoft Windows for critical operations, the presence of such vulnerabilities poses substantial risks. Attackers can use this privilege escalation to compromise accounts with administrative privileges, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes for data integrity and overall system security.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-29824

1. Unauthorized Access and Control: Successful exploitation can allow attackers to gain administrative privileges, which can lead to unauthorized control over system resources, potentially enabling data breaches or operational disruptions.

2. Persistence and Lateral Movement: This vulnerability could be employed to establish persistent footholds within a network, allowing attackers to move laterally across systems and escalate their access further, complicating incident response efforts.

3. Deployment of Malicious Software: Attackers may use the elevated privileges for deploying additional malware, including ransomware or data exfiltration tools, jeopardizing the security of sensitive data and heightening the risk of ransomware attacks on affected organizations.

News Articles

GBHackers News

CVE-2025-29824

Play Ransomware Deployed in the Wild Exploiting Windows 0-Day Vulnerability

Patched Windows zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-29824) in the CLFS driver was exploited in attacks linked to the Play ransomware operation.

CVE-2025-29824

Play Ransomware Group Used Windows Zero-Day

Previously, Microsoft reported that Storm-2460 had also used the privilege escalation bug to deploy ransomware on organizations in several countries.

BleepingComputer

CVE-2025-29824

Play ransomware exploited Windows logging flaw in zero-day attacks

The Play ransomware gang has exploited a high-severity Windows Common Log File System flaw in zero-day attacks to gain SYSTEM privileges and deploy malware on compromised systems.

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